1957 days ago

Success in breeding kākāriki karaka

Reporter Community News

One of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered birds has been successfully bred at the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, near Masterton.

Orange-fronted parakeets (kākāriki karaka) were declared extinct twice in 1919 and 1965. Today their wild population number is just 100-300 individuals.

Successful hand-rearing of orange-fronted parakeets is considered extremely unlikely but Pūkaha had very little choice. The five chicks hatched in early August from one of the centre’s two breeding pairs, a male called Karaka and a female called Pōra. Not wanting to disturb the nest, it wasn’t until two weeks of age that rangers noticed that the feathers on the chicks were not developing. A closer inspection revealed that the chicks were bald and that their feathers had been plucked by their parents. Immediate intervention was required because the chicks were at imminent danger of dying from the cold. The only option for the parakeets’ survival was an attempt at hand-rearing.

The young chicks were immediately placed in brooders with heat lamps and fed a diet of parrot rearing formula. It took about three weeks for the chicks to get their feathers. Some six weeks later, all five chicks are fully grown, flying, and eating by themselves.

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.3% Complete
  • 25.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.3% Complete
  • 15.4% ... It is complicated
    15.4% Complete
755 votes
4 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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6 days ago

Lost dogs

Rachael from Naenae

I'm so sick of seeing stray dogs no collars,under fed, just like the one I saw running past me while I was waiting for the bus, poor fella Before u get a dog, do your research owning a dog is a big responsibility
They depend on us
Is your house fenced
Does your landlord know u have a pet? Don't forget vet bills
And a comfortable place to sleep hopefully inside..
Don't forget good nutritious food,and daily walks,just remember check foot path on hot days by placing your hand or bare foot on it to see if too hot for your doggies paws, best early in the morning or late in afternoon when temperature is cooler..OK im not saying I'm the best owner my girl was left home alone while I was at work even though I took her for long walks in the morning..sensitive subject If u have to put your precious fur baby to rest because of horrible uncurable
Illness have the vet come to your home don't do it at a vet clinic that is the place stresses them out..
My girl had cancer
And the vet wanted to put to sleep in the clinic he made up every excuse, but I rang around and found wonderful vet in waterloo, they were so kind and we agreed on a day..
Cost $370..
My girl was not stressed at all she was chilled out on her couch watching TV, she was clueless
She thought vet were there to visit Lol it was quick my girl fell asleep went back to Our creator in heaven
So guys please do your research before u get a dog😁